Marissa handed me a file with details. As I skimmed through it, I felt a flicker of curiosity and excitement. This was what I was good at, digging into the unknown. And if it meant immersing myself in work and escaping my mess, so be it.
The drive to Rosebrook was long, but I didn’t mind. As I neared the town, a sense of unease began to creep in. The road wound through thick woods. The sky was overcast, casting a dull, gray light. When I saw the sign ‘Welcome to Rosebrook,’ I realized just how isolated this place was.
The town was small, a cluster of old buildings that looked centuries old. No chain stores, no fast food, just a few shops, a diner, and a single gas station. It was the kind of place where everyone knew everyone, and outsiders were immediately noticeable.
As I drove down the main street, I noticed the locals staring at me with suspicion, as if they could tell I didn’t belong. But I just shrugged it off. I was here to do my job.
I parked outside the only motel in town. I checked in with a clerk who barely glanced at me before handing over my room key.